Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx each scored tries, leading South Africa to a historic 18-12 victory over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship held in Cape Town. This win marks the Springboks’ fourth consecutive triumph over the All Blacks, a feat not achieved in 75 years.
With this victory, South Africa reclaimed the Freedom Cup, a trophy contested between the two nations, for the first time since 2009. New Zealand showed strength at the breakdown and managed to stay competitive by winning multiple penalties. However, in the final 20 minutes, the Springboks began to control both territory and possession, ultimately securing the win.
The match featured a solid defensive performance from both sides, with New Zealand leading 9-3 at halftime, highlighted by yellow cards for South African No 8 Jasper Wiese and All Blacks wing Sevu Reece.
The second half saw South Africa make an impactful change off the bench, allowing them to take the lead for the first time at the 49-minute mark when Kolisi scored from close range while inside New Zealand’s 22.
Following a series of penalties exchanged between the teams, South Africa faced a moment of adversity when full-back Willie le Roux was penalized for knocking the ball on while trying to intercept, reducing the home team to 14 players.
With eight minutes remaining, New Zealand’s McKenzie missed a crucial penalty opportunity from directly in front of the posts. The All Blacks’ predicament worsened when Tyrel Lomax received a yellow card for obstructing Cheslin Kolbe.
From the ensuing attacking lineout, Marx sealed the game for South Africa by breaking free from the maul and scoring in the corner, adding another try to the Springboks’ tally.